If you’ve just started a fitness routine, you may feel like exercise and fun live in different worlds. Sweating, gasping for breath, and feeling your muscles crying out for oxygenated blood are probably not on your “awesome” list.
Yet, there are those people who smile when they talk about how good a tough workout felt, and they can’t seem to wait for the next one. Are they just cut from some rare cloth? Or can you, too, learn to enjoy working out?
Anyone can become a fitness convert. To get on your way, you need 2 things:
A specific plan, and
An ironclad commitment of at least 3 weeks
For example, your plan might be to do a brisk 20-minute walk every day. Your commitment might be 4 weeks with this plan.
In the beginning, you might not enjoy it much. It may take a few weeks before you start to notice benefits, like improved energy and mood. In the meantime, these tips might help keep you on track:
Do what you enjoy. If you really don’t like walking or jogging, look for something more appealing. You might prefer to try swimming, basketball, or a dance or boot camp class. Add some upbeat music. Work out with friends. Keep looking for a form of movement that you like. It’s likely out there.
Start slow. When first starting out, don’t push too hard, too long, or too fast. Set realistic goals and build your fitness slowly. The first few weeks often feel the hardest, because you’re just starting to ramp up. Give your body time to adjust to the new activity level. In time, you’ll start to feel a little stronger and workouts will tend to get easier.
Hang in there. Your mind can be a powerful ally—or your worst enemy. If, in the middle of a workout you find yourself saying, “I do not like this,” breathe and tell yourself you can push through. Slow down if you need to, but don’t stop—unless you’re in pain. Have faith that you’re on the path to feeling good.
Sleeping and eating well can also help you stick with your fitness routine. And you can seek inspiration by chatting with people who’ve taken their own journeys from unfit to fit. If you haven’t been active in a while or have any health issues, talk with your doctor before you begin about how much exercise to aim for. Then, muster your patience and give your new routine a little time. The rewards—and the fun—will come.
Don’t forget, whether you choose to stay active on-the-go or at home, you can access thousands of gyms and fitness centers nationwide through the Active&Fit Direct™ program, as well as thousands more on-demand workout videos. You can access Active&Fit Direct here.
References
Mayo Clinic. (2018). Fitness program: 5 steps to get started. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/fitness/art-20048269
Mayo Clinic. (2018). Fitness: Tips for staying motivated. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/fitness/art-20047624
United States Department of Health and Human Services. (2018). Physical activity guidelines for Americans (2nd edition). https://health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-09/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf
Harvard Health Publishing. (2017). 6 tips to help you keep a walking regimen on track. http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/6-tips-to-help-you-keep-a-walking-regimen-on-track?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=WR20160616-Cholesterol&utm_id=176222&mid=11106647&ml=176222